Semiconductor device and method for low resistive thin film resistor interconnect

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing an electronic device. A first conductive layer (first metal interconnect layer) is deposited. There is an insulating layer (first intermetal dielectric) layer deposited. A resistive layer is deposited on top of the insulating layer and structured in order to serve as a thin film resistor. A second insulating layer (second intermetal dielectric) is then deposited on top of the resistive layer. A first opening is etched into the insulating layers (first and second intermetal dielectric) down to the first conductive layer. A second opening is etched into the insulating layers (first and second intermetal dielectrics) down to the first conductive layer. A cross-sectional plane of the second opening is arranged such that it at least partially overlaps the resistive layer of the thin film resistor in a first direction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Nonprovisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 13/463,290, filed May 3, 2012, which claims thebenefit of German Application no. 10 2011 100 779.6, filed May 6, 2011,the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method forelectrically connecting a low resistive thin film resistor.

BACKGROUND

Various important technological applications employ thin film resistors.These thin film resistors may be integrated in individual integratedsemiconductor devices or they can be located in complex hybrid circuitsor integrated circuits. Thin film resistors may be arranged as resistiveladder networks in analog-to-digital converters, or as current limitingand/or load resistors in various different circuits such as amplifiers,filters, current or voltage buffering or biasing stages etc.

Thin film resistors may comprise various different materials, as forexample tantalum nitride (TaN), silicon, chromium (SiCr), or nickelchromium (NiCr). These resistor materials are generally evaporated orsputtered onto a substrate wafer at a metal interconnect level andsubsequently patterned and etched. In order to use the thin filmresistors, they have to be electrically connected. The parameters andperformance of the thin film resistors is then related to the conditionand to the quality of the resistor surface and the electricalconnection. However, within the established manufacturing processes forintegrated semiconductor devices, it is challenging to contact thin filmresistors without impairing or destroying important parameters or eventhe thin film transistors themselves.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,962 B1 discloses a semiconductor device and a methodfor manufacturing a semiconductor device with a thin film resistor. Asshown in FIG. 1 of the reference, conductively filled VIAs 95 extendfrom the upper metal interconnect layer 100 to the thin film resistors60 and a lower metal interconnect layer 40. The VIAs are formedsimultaneously, with no processing steps being added to contactresistors 60. VIAs 95 preferably contact optional portions of hard mask70 that remain over the ends of resistor material 60. However, VIAs 95may contact resistor material 60 and/or hard mask 70. Optional hard maskportions 70 can protect resistor material 60 during the VIA etch. Hardmask portions 70 comprise a conductive material such astitanium-tungsten (TiW), titanium-nitride (TiN) or molybdenum (Mo).Resistor material 60 can comprise materials such as tantalum-nitride(TaN), silicon-chromium (SiCr), or nickel chromium (NiCr).

U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,286 B2 discloses a thin film resistor structurewhich includes an electrical interface layer or head layer that is acombination of a titanium (Ti) layer and a titanium nitride (TiN) layer.The combination of the Ti layer and the TiN layer mitigates resistanceassociated with the electrical interface. Additionally, the employmentof the Ti layer provides a more reproducible resistivity valueassociated with the electrical interface layer. Furthermore, the Tilayer acts as a glue layer to facilitate adhesion of the TiN to the thinfilm resistor material.

In order to connect lower level interconnect layers of, for examplealuminum, the interconnect layers traditionally were covered by atitanium nitride layer (TiN). A hole for a VIA is then etched by astrong pre-sputter etch step in order to remove the TiN layer and reachthe aluminum layer below. Subsequently, the opening for the VIA iscovered with a liner of titanium (Ti) and then with a liner of TiN.Finally, the remaining space within the opening is filled with tungstenin order to electrically connect the lower level interconnect layer witha higher level. This strong pre-sputter etch for removing the TiN layeron top of the aluminum is not compatible with VIA etching for connectinga thin film resistor layer as the thin film resistor layer may easily bedestroyed.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention, to provide a manufacturing method anda semiconductor device with an improved interconnect structure forconnecting thin film resistors.

According to an aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing anelectronic device is provided. A first conductive layer (first metalinterconnect layer) is deposited. There is an insulating layer (firstintermetal dielectric) layer deposited on top of the first conductivelayer. A resistive layer is deposited on top of the insulating layer andstructured in order to serve as a thin film resistor. A secondinsulating layer (second intermetal dielectric) is then deposited on topof the resistive layer. A first opening is etched into the insulatinglayers (first and second intermetal dielectric) down to the firstconductive layer. A second opening is etched into the insulating layers(first and second intermetal dielectrics) down to the first conductivelayer. The horizontal cross-sectional plane (i.e. the area of the crosssection of the opening in the horizontal plane) of the second opening isarranged such that it at least partially overlaps the resistive layer ofthe thin film resistor in a first dimension. In other words, if thelayers (conductive layers, insulating layers, resistive layer) areassumed to be arranged vertically, one on top of the other, the at leastpartial overlap of the opening of the VIA is then in at least onedirection in the horizontal plane. This arrangement can result invarious different advantageous embodiments.

The material of the resistive layer can preferable comprise materialssuch as tantalum-nitride (TaN), silicon-chromium (SiCr), or nickelchromium (NiCr).

The layers are configured such that the first VIA and the second VIA areelectrically connected at a lower side by the first conductive layer andat an upper side by the second conductive layer.

The second opening and the first opening are filled with an electricallyconductive material as, for example tungsten. The first and secondopenings are configured to serve as VIAs (vertical electricalconnections) through the intermetal dielectrics. A second conductivematerial can be deposited on top of the second intermetal dielectric.The second VIA electrically connects the resistive layer of the thinfilm resistor in the region where the horizontal cross sectional areaoverlaps the resistive layer of the thin film resistor. This results inan electrical connection of the second conductive layer with the thinfilm resistor.

The same dry etching process may then be used for etching the first andthe second opening. This simplifies manufacturing and is possible sincethe second opening only partially overlaps the resistive layer of thethin film resistor.

The overlap between the opening of the VIA (or in other words the VIAitself) and the resistive layer of the TFR in the at least one directionin the horizontal plane is advantageously between 0.2 μm and 0.4 μm.

In an aspect of the invention, the thickness of the resistive layer forthe thin film resistor may be adjusted properly to connect the VIA tothe resistive layer. A thickness between 50 nm and 100 nm and more isadvantageous. This provides that the resistive layer is not entirelyremoved during etching the VIA for connecting the resistive layer of thethin film resistor.

The second opening, or in other words the second VIA for connecting theresistive layer of the thin film resistor is then configured toelectrically connect a first conductive layer below the resistive layerof the thin film resistor and a second conductive layer above theresistive layer of the thin film resistor and the thin film resistorbetween the two conductive layers. This aspect of the invention providesthat the relative position of the resistive layer of the thin filmresistor becomes irrelevant or at least less significant as theresistive layer is connected to two conductive layers embedding somehowthe resistive layer. If the resistive layer is then further apart fromone of the conductive layers, it is automatically closer to the otherconductive layer.

A diameter or length of the second opening for connecting the TFR can bechosen (or rather increased) such that the remaining cross-sectionalarea of the opening (being reduced by the overlap with the resistivelayer) corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the normal VIA. Theresistance of the connection to the first conductive layer is then notreduced by the overlap compared with the normal configuration whichdecreases the contact area between the VIA and the second conductivelayer.

According to another aspect of the invention, the dimension of thesecond opening or the second VIA in a second direction in the horizontalplane can be greater than the dimension of the resistive layer in thisdirection. This means that the diameter of the VIA can extend over (belarger than) the resistive layer on both sides in this second direction.This provides that there is a larger tolerance for the position of thedimensions of the resistive layer relative to the VIA. The resistance ofthe connection between the VIA and the resistive layer is then lessindependent of the exact position of the resistive layer with respect tothe VIA. The width of the second VIA in the second direction may be 0.4μm.

Advantageously, a plurality of first openings can be provided. Thisplurality of first openings can be configured as an array of firstopening. This plurality of first opening may then be configured toconnect the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. Thiscan reduce the parasitic resistance between of the interconnectionbetween the second conductive layer and the first conductive layer,thereby reducing the parasitic resistance of the interconnection leadingfrom the thin film resistor to the first conductive layer and from thereto the second conductive layer.

The invention also provides an electronic device that is manufacturedaccording to the aspects and embodiments of the invention. Theelectronic device may comprise a first conductive layer (e.g. lowerlevel metal, MET1), a first intermetal dielectric layer on top of firstconductive layer, a resistive layer of a thin film resistor on top ofthe first intermetal dielectric, a second intermetal dielectric layer ontop of the resistive layer, and a second conductive layer (higher levelmetal, MET2). A first VIA is provided through the second intermetaldielectric and the first intermetal dielectric layer down to the firstconductive layer for electrically connecting the first conductive layer.A second VIA is provided that leads through at least the secondintermetal dielectric layer down to the first conductive layer. Ahorizontal cross-sectional plane of the second VIA can then at leastpartially overlap the resistive layer of the thin film resistor. Thecross-sectional plane is coplanar to the horizontal plane, if thedirection in which the layers are stacked on top of each others areconsidered the vertical direction being perpendicular to the horizontalplane.

The resistive layer of the thin film resistor can have a substantiallyrectangular shape and the partial overlap of the horizontalcross-sectional plane of the second VIA can extend beyond acircumferential outer edge of the resistive layer of the thin filmresistor at three sides of the resistive layer of the thin filmresistor.

The first VIA and the second VIA are electrically connected at a lowerside by the first conductive layer. The first VIA and the second VIA areelectrically connected at an upper side by the second conductive layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects and characteristics of the invention will ensue from thefollowing description of preferred embodiments of the invention withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

FIGS. 1A-1C show a simplified sectional view and two cross-sectionalviews of a first embodiment of the invention,

FIGS. 2A-2C show a simplified sectional top view and two cross-sectionalviews of a second embodiment of the invention,

FIGS. 3A-3B show a simplified cross-sectional view and illustrativecircuit diagram of a second embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 4 shows a simplified sectional perspective view of the secondembodiment of the invention,

FIGS. 5A-5C show a sectional top view and two cross-sectional views of afirst intermediate manufacturing stage of the second embodiment of theinvention, and

FIGS. 6A-6C show a sectional top view and two cross-sectional views of asecond intermediate manufacturing stage of the second embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1A-1C show a top view (1A) and two cross-sectional views (1B, 1C)of a first embodiment of the invention. There is an electronic devicecomprising a thin-film resistor TFR, a first metal layer MET1, a secondmetal layer MET2 and two VIAs: VIAM and VIATFR. The VIA VIAM connectsthe first metal layer MET1 and the second metal layer MET2. The VIAVIATFR connects the second metal layer MET2 and the thin-film resistorlayer TFR. FIG. 1 (A) shows a sectional top view of the firstembodiment. The thin-film resistor layer TFR is rectangular and overlapsthe first metal layer MET1 by a length OM1TFR. The width of thethin-film resistor layer TFR is WTFR. The width of the first metal layeris WMET1. The first metal layer MET1 and the second metal layer MET2 areconnected by metal interconnect VIAs VIAM. FIG. 1A indicates alongitudinal direction which is indicated by dashed line and arrow b. Itfurther indicates a lateral direction by a dashed line and arrow c. FIG.1B shows the cross-sectional view of a cut along the longitudinaldirection b. FIG. 1C shows a cross-sectional view along the lateraldirection c. All following Figures except FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 follow thisprinciple. Accordingly, (A) is the sectional top view, (B) is thecross-sectional view along a cut in longitudinal direction along arrow band (C) is the cross-sectional view in lateral direction along arrow c.

During manufacturing, the conductive layer MET1 is deposited. Afterstructuring the first conductive metal layer MET1. An insulating layer,for example a first intermetal dielectric IMD1, is deposited on top ofthe first conductive layer. A resistive layer for a thin-film resistoris deposited and structured. Another insulating layer, for example asecond intermetal dielectric IMD2 is applied and structured. Finally, adry etching step is performed during which the openings for theintermetal VIA VIAM and the VIA for connecting the thin-film resistorlayer TFR VIATFR are provided. Finally, the remaining space within theVIAs is filled with a conductive material as, for example tungsten. Itpossible to use the same dry etching step for both VIAs: VIAM andVIATFR.

The VIA TFR is partially overlapping the thin-film resistor layer TFR inlongitudinal direction. The length of the VIA in longitudinal directionis LTFRVIA. Between conductive layer MET2 and the thin-film resistorlayer TFR the VIA VIATFR has a length of LTFRVIA. Between the thin-filmresistor layer TFR and conductive layer MET1 the length in longitudinaldirection is then reduced to L1TFRVIA. This is due to the fact that theVIA VIATFR overlaps the thin-film resistor layer TFR by a certain amountOLX=LTFRVIA-L1TFRVIA.

The width of the VIA VIATFR in lateral direction is WTFRVIA. As shown inFIG. 1C, the width of VIATFR is smaller than the width WTFR of thethin-film resistor layer TFR. The partial overlap in the firstdimension, i.e. in longitudinal direction provides sufficient electricalconnection between VIATFR and the thin film resistor TFR.

The first VIAs VIAM are configured as array (plurality) of VIAs. Thisreduces the parasitic resistance of the interconnection from the secondconductive layer MET2 to the first conductive layer MET1 and from thereto the resistive layer. The second conductive layer MET2 is usually thelayer which is used to connect the resistor.

FIG. 1B shows that the upper ends of the first VIAs VIAM and the secondVIAs VIATFR are electrically connected by the second conductive layerMET2. The lower ends of the first VIAs VIAM and the second VIAs VIATFRare electrically connected by the first conductive layer MET2.

FIG. 2A-2C show a second embodiment of the invention. Also in thisembodiment, VIATFR has a rectangular shape. VIATFR partially overlapsthe thin-film resistor layer by a length OLX in longitudinal direction.This is shown in FIG. 2A on the right side. Furthermore, the widthWVIATFR of VIATFR is now greater than the width WTFR of the thin-filmresistor layer. This provides that the contact area between TFR andVIATFR is always maximum in lateral direction. The cross sectional areaof VIATFR is dimensioned in order to extend beyond the circumferentialedges of the resistive layer of the TFR on three edges E1, E2 and E3.

A possible parameter range for the dimensions can be: 0.2μm≦OLX≦LTFRVIAREST, which means that the length OLX of the overlap inlongitudinal direction should not be smaller than 0.2 μm and not greaterthan a minimum residual diameter LTFRVIAREST. LTFRVIAREST is diameter ofTFRVIA in longitudinal direction minus the length of the overlap OLX.This remaining diameter LTFRVIAREST can be equal to the normal diameterLVIAM in longitudinal direction of VIAM.

FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view along the lateral direction c ofthe embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2C over the full length of TFR. There are tosimilar VIAs VIATFR1 and VIATFR2 for electrically connecting the thinfilm resistor TFR from both sides. FIG. 3B shows a simplified circuitdiagram of resistors representing the resistance of the thin filmresistor RTFR and the resistances RVTFR1 and RVTFR2 of the twointerconnections provided by VIATFR1 and VIATFR2. The resistors R1represent the resistance of the interconnection between the TFR and MET2and R2 represents the resistance of the interconnection between TFR andR1. If the TFR is now displaced (misaligned) in longitudinal directionas indicated by vector X, the length of the overlap OLX1 on one side ofthe TFR can increase, but at the same time the length of the overlapOLX2 on the other side decreases. This means that the resistance of theinterconnection between VIATFR and the TFR decreases on side, butincreases by the same amount on the other side. The sum of theinterconnect resistance remains the same. The same applies if the TFR ismisaligned in vertical direction as indicated by vector Y. Resistors R2may then increase, but at the same time, resistors R1 decrease and thetotal resistance remains the same. As long as the overlap in lateraldirection (indicated by vector Z) is large enough and extends beyond theedges (E1, E3 shown in FIG. 2 (A)), a misalignment in this direction,does not affect the interconnect resistances RVTFR1 and RVTFR2.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view on the embodiment of FIG. 2A-2C. VIATFRconnects the two conductive layers MET2 and MET1 and overlaps partiallythe thin-film resistor layer TFR. Therefore, the exact position invertical direction X of TFR becomes less relevant. If the thin-filmresistor layer TFR is farther away from one conductive layer, it isautomatically closer to the other one. The variations of theinterconnect resistance are thereby reduced compared with solutions,where the TFR is only connected to one metal interconnect.

The overlap OLX between the cross-sectional area of the opening ofVIATFR in the first direction may be between 0.2 μm and LTFRVIAREST.

The thickness of the resistive layer of the TFR may be about 50 nm. Themay even range down to 30 nm.

The width WVIATFR of the VIATFR may be between 0.2 μm and 0.5 μm, inparticular 0.4 μm.

The width and length or the diameter of VIATFR is advantageously chosensuch the part of the VIA that connects the resistive layer of the TFRwith the first conductive layer MET1 is still large enough, inparticular as large as usual. The dimensions of the opening may then bechosen such that the reduction of the area of the cross-sectional planeof the opening due to the overlap with the resistive layer iscompensated. The opening for the VIATFR may then be increased in orderto compensate for the loss due to the overlap with the resistive layeron the way down to the first conductive layer.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show a non-exhaustive sequence of intermediatemanufacturing stage which may be performed in order to manufacture theintegrated electronic device according to the second embodiment shown inFIG. 2 and FIG. 4.

FIGS. 5A-5C show a first intermediate manufacturing stage. The lowermetal is the first conductive layer MET1, which is located on top of anactive area of the integrated circuit covered by at least an oxide OX1.The conductive layer MET1 is structured by use of masks and photoresistas known in the art. In the next step the lower metal level isfinalized. The structured metal layer MET1 is a little bit shorter (byDIFFMET1) in longitudinal direction (along a cut indicated by arrow(c)). A first intermetal dielectric IMD1 is applied on the firstconductive layer MET1 and planarized by a chemical mechanical polishingstep. A cleaning step follows. The resistive layer for the thin filmresistor TFR is deposited and structured. The thin film resistor layerTFR is deposited on top of the planarized intermetal dielectric. Thestructuring is performed by applying photoresist and etching steps asknown in the art. The TFR overlaps the first conductive layer MET1 by alength OM1TFR in longitudinal direction. A further intermetal dielectricIMD2 is deposited and planarized.

FIGS. 6A-6C show the structure obtained by further manufacturing steps.The pattern for the VIATFR is defined. The shape of the VIA isrectangular. The photoresist is applied to define the rectangularopening. The opening is arranged such that the VIA is entirely locatedwithin the MET1 layer so that once it is etched down to MET1, VIATFRwould reach MET1 over its whole cross-sectional area. However, theopening is also located such that it partially overlaps the thin filmresistor layer TFR in longitudinal direction (along longitudinal cut(c)) by an amount OLX.

After etching the opening for VIATFR, the opening for VIATFR reachesdown to MET1. As it overlaps the TFR, there is a small shoulder whereIMD2 does not cover the TFR but the TFR is still supported by IMD1. Inlateral direction the opening is larger than the TFR on both sides ofthe TFR by an amount OLY.

The pattern definition and finalization of the VIAM is then performed.This step includes applying photoresist, exposure, developing, etching,an ashes step and cleanup. The two openings for the VIAM and VIATFR arenow prepared.

The openings for VIAM may be etched first or VIAM and VIATFR may beetched at the same time. The same dry etching step may here be used asthe opening of the TFR overlaps the TFR only by a small amount. The VIAs(VIAM and VIATFR) are then filled. The step comprises barrier depositionand tungsten fill (W-fill), a tungsten CMP step and cleanup.

FIGS. 2A-2C shows the final result in which the TFR is electricallyconnected through VIATFR to the first conductive layer MET1 and thesecond conductive layer MET1. The level of the thin film resistor islocated between the levels of the first conductive layer MET1 and thesecond conductive layer MET2. The filling of VIATFR connects the TFR onthe top side and on a lateral side.

Although the invention has been described hereinabove with reference toa specific embodiments, it is not limited to these embodiments and nodoubt further alternatives will occur to the skilled person that liewithin the scope of the invention as claimed.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a firstconductive layer; a first intermetal dielectric layer on top of thefirst conductive layer; a resistive layer of a thin film resistor on topof the first intermetal dielectric; a second intermetal dielectric layeron top of the resistive layer; a second conductive layer on top of thesecond intermetal dielectric; a first VIA through the second intermetaldielectric and the first intermetal dielectric layer for electricallyconnecting the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer;and a second VIA through the second intermetal dielectric layer and thefirst intermetal dielectric down to the first conductive layer, whereinthe second VIA partially overlaps the resistive layer of the thin filmresistor in at least a first dimension to electrically connect the thinfilm resistor to the first conductive layer and the second conductivelayer, and wherein the first VIA does not overlap the resistive layer.2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the resistivelayer of the thin film resistor has a substantially rectangular shapeand the partial overlap of the second VIA extends beyond acircumferential outer edge of the resistive layer of the thin filmresistor at three sides of the resistive layer of the thin filmresistor.
 3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first VIA isa circular via and the second via is a rectangular via.
 4. Asemiconductor device comprising: a first metal layer; a first intermetaldielectric layer on top of the first metal layer; a resistive layer of athin film resistor on top of the first intermetal dielectric; a secondintermetal dielectric layer on top of the resistive layer; a secondmetal layer on top of the second intermetal dielectric; a first VIAthrough the second intermetal dielectric and the first intermetaldielectric layer for electrically connecting the first metal layer andthe second metal layer, wherein the first VIA does not overlap theresistive layer; and a second VIA through the second intermetaldielectric layer and the first intermetal dielectric down to the firstmetal layer, wherein the second VIA partially overlaps the resistivelayer of the thin film resistor in at least a first dimension toelectrically connect the thin film resistor to the first metal layer andthe second metal layer and wherein a width of the second VIA is widerthan a width of the resistive layer of the thin film resistor.
 5. Thesemiconductor device according to claim 4, wherein the resistive layerof the thin film resistor has a substantially rectangular shape and thepartial overlap of the second VIA extends beyond a circumferential outeredge of the resistive layer of the thin film resistor at three sides ofthe resistive layer of the thin film resistor.
 6. The semiconductordevice of claim 4, wherein the first VIA is a circular via and thesecond via is a rectangular via.
 7. An integrated circuit comprising: afirst metal layer; a first intermetal dielectric layer on top of thefirst metal layer; a resistive layer of a thin film resistor on top ofthe first intermetal dielectric; a second intermetal dielectric layer ontop of the resistive layer; a second metal layer on top of the secondintermetal dielectric; a first VIA through the second intermetaldielectric and the first intermetal dielectric layer for electricallyconnecting the first metal layer and the second metal layer, wherein thefirst VIA does not overlap the resistive layer; and a second VIA throughthe second intermetal dielectric layer and the first intermetaldielectric down to the first metal layer, wherein the second VIApartially overlaps the resistive layer of the thin film resistor in atleast a first dimension to electrically connect the thin film resistorto the first metal layer and the second metal layer and wherein a widthof the second VIA is wider than a width of the resistive layer of thethin film resistor.
 8. The integrated circuit of claim 7, wherein theresistive layer of the thin film resistor has a substantiallyrectangular shape and the partial overlap of the second VIA extendsbeyond a circumferential outer edge of the resistive layer of the thinfilm resistor at three sides of the resistive layer of the thin filmresistor.
 9. The integrated circuit of claim 7, wherein the first VIA isa circular via and the second via is a rectangular via.